Flooding Otago, Canterbury – SH1 north of Dunedin open, but potholes , debris, single lanes in many places

People are advised that essential travel only is advised today on highways and roads of Otago and Canterbury, south of Christchurch. Highways are slowing reopening in Otago with SH1 just reopened north of Dunedin.

But SH1 Rakaia to Rolleston, south of Christchurch, is unlikely to open today. Drivers can take SH77 at Ashburton, drive through Methven, Rakaia Gorge, Darfield and then SH73 into Christchurch. This will add at least an hour to the normal journey.

Potholes caused by the flooding are all over the roading network so drivers need to slow down, says Nic Rodger, Maintenance Contract Manager, NZ Transport Agency, Coastal Otago. Many areas will be down to one-lane with flooding debris near rivers and broken edges of highways and roads.

Snow and freezing conditions have been forecast so people need to remain alert later today and tomorrow regardless of whether the highways are open or not.

· SH1 north of Dunedin has just reopened.

· Pukeuri to the Waitaki Bridge in South Canterbury is closed with a detour in place. http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/177785

· Due to rising levels on the Selwyn River, at State Highway 1, this morning was closed at Telegraph Road, south of Rolleston through to Rakaia. Drivers can take SH77 at Ashburton, drive through Methven, Rakaia Gorge, Darfield and then SH73 into Christchurch. This will add at least an hour to the normal journey.
· Access between Dunedin and Port Chalmers (SH88) is closed due to a slip.

· Milton (travelling south from Dunedin): Currently flooding at Milton is preventing access to SH8 (to Central Otago) and SH1 (Invercargill).

Please check highway status at this web site: www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic and if you can avoid travel today, please do so.

© Scoop Media